This conference was just brought to our attention. It is being held Friday, February 19, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UBC Robson Square. Link to event description. The topics are very close to what we seek at CityHallWatch — integrity and open, transparent, accountable government. Clearly, all players have a role to play, but the role of citizens is crucial for oversight. In that context, we hope that the City of Vancouver’s proposed changes to its FOI Bylaw next week (see Council agenda Feb 23) will attract critical and open review. To avoid the risk of corruption, Vancouver and other Metro Vancouver municipalities need to take concrete actions. For example, create a lobbyist registry, full time reporting of political gifts and donations, a ban on corporate and unit donations, excellence in FOI practices, whistleblower systems, and more. At the moment, NONE of these are available in Vancouver.